On Tuesday 24 June, the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) approved its negotiating position on the revision of the two regulations on passenger rights. It has also decided to enter into discussions with the Council of the EU, if the European Parliament gives the green light at its July plenary session.
The position on the first regulation on the application of passenger rights was approved by 38 votes to 2, with 2 abstentions. In its position, the TRAN Committee exhaustively listed the extraordinary circumstances that allow airlines to refuse compensation for cancelled or delayed flights, including: - natural disasters or weather conditions; - war or acts of terrorism; - health risks; - disruptive passenger behaviour; - shortage of baggage handling staff; - unforeseen labour disputes (excluding strikes by airline staff).
MEPs also clarified the role of intermediaries, i.e. ticket vendors or retailers, in reimbursing air passengers in the event of cancellation, long delay or denied boarding. Within seven working days of receiving the complaint, the addressee should confirm receipt and provide a reasoned response within two months. If this is not complied with, the passenger’s claims will be deemed to have been accepted.
MEPs introduced a common form for claims for compensation and reimbursement, which should be sent pre-filled, or the obligation to activate other automatic communication channels, within 48 hours of the disruption.
MEPs want to harmonise the dimensions of hand luggage. A personal item, such as a handbag, could measure a maximum of 40x30x15 centimetres. A piece of hand luggage could measure 100 centimetres in total and weigh up to 7 kilograms at no extra charge.
Children under 12 years old should be seated next to their accompanying passenger free of charge. Those accompanying people with reduced mobility should travel with them free of charge.
Read the compromise amendments: https://aeur.eu/f/HJF
The second regulation, on multimodal travel, was supported by 32 votes to one. If a passenger takes out a single multimodal contract, switching from one mode of transport to another should not mean losing protection against missed connections and assistance. Should a missed connection result in a travel delay of 60 minutes or more, the passenger should be offered meals, refreshment and a hotel stay free of charge, as needed.
MEPs have introduced an obligation for carriers and intermediaries to inform passengers, prior to purchase, of the type of ticket they are buying: single multimodal, combined or separate. Failing this, the sellers will be obliged to refund the ticket and pay an additional 75% compensation if the passenger misses a connection.
As the Council of the EU has already adopted a position (see EUROPE 13539/6), inter-institutional negotiations will soon be able to begin, while discussions on air passenger rights will also resume (see EUROPE 13539/6).
Read the compromise amendments: https://aeur.eu/f/HJG (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)